Hoboken Partners with New Jersey Devils for Rink Renovation

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the Hoboken Recreation Division have announced a partnership with the New Jersey Devils to renovate the Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr. “Diddle” Hockey Rink at the Multi-Service Center. The $230,000 project, funded through the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, will come at no cost to Hoboken taxpayers.

Planned improvements include the removal and replacement of the rink’s boarding system, surface patching and leveling, installation of a dasher board curb footing, new dasher boards, and updated flooring. The renovation also includes up to $10,000 to fund part-time coaches and staff for new programming.

New recreational offerings will feature ball hockey clinics, girls’ hockey initiatives, adult leagues, and game play for both children and adults.

“This partnership between the New Jersey Devils and the City of Hoboken is yet another example of our efforts to coordinate with community stakeholders to bolster our recreation offerings and improve our public spaces,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I want to offer my sincere thanks to the entire Recreation Division for working with the Devils organization to make this possible. I look forward to these renovations and eventually cutting the ribbon on the new rink.”

Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, added, “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Hoboken to help renovate their outdoor roller hockey rink and assist in the development of programming for future hockey clinics. The Devils remain committed to serving our community and growing the game of hockey.”

This project is one of several initiatives supported by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, which has invested over $180 million across North America to expand access to hockey since its inception a decade ago.